Didier Drogba signs for Shanghai Shenhua on two-and-a-half year deal

Former Chelsea striker
Didier Drogba has signed for Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua on a two-and-a-half year deal.

Didier Drogba will play for Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua next season (Picture: AFP/Getty)

The 34-year-old had been linked with a move to Asia since the beginning of the year and has now confirmed he will be swapping London for Shanghai.

Drogba said: ‘Today I can inform you that I have signed with Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua for a two and a half year deal.

‘I will fly out to join up with the squad in July.

‘I have considered all the offers I have received in the past few weeks, but I feel that Shanghai is the right move for me at this time.

‘I am looking forward to a new challenge and to experiencing a new culture, and I am excited about the new developments in the Chinese Super League.

‘When Chelsea went to China last year, we had a great time and I met some amazing fans.

‘I hope to help promote Chinese football around the world and further improve the links between China and Africa.’

Didier Drogba scored the winning penalty for Chelsea in the Champions League final (Picture: PA)

Drogba will reportedly earn £200,000-a-week with the Chinese Super League side and joins following a successful final season at Stamford Bridge where he won both the FA Cup and Champions League.

Zhu Jun owner of Shanghai Shenhua FC said: ‘We have been wanting to sign Didier for a while, and are very happy that it has finally happened.

‘He is an incredible player, who has won so many trophies in his career, we feel that his experience and ability will be a very valuable asset to our squad.

‘Shanghai is one of the most influential cities in the world, and we are very excited to welcome Didier here.

Didier Drogba left Chelsea after eight years at the club (Picture: Action Images)

The new manager Sergio Batista added: ‘Drogba is a very good soccer player, his outstanding skills and amazing experience will give us motivation to improve our games.

‘It is my honour to invite him to join in our team. At last I have to say that the club owner Zhu Jun did his utmost to bring Drogba to Shenhua.’

Drogba was unable to agree a new deal at Chelsea and it was revealed by him and the club following the club’s Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich he would be leaving after eight seasons in the Premier League.

Drogba scored an impressive 157 goals in 341 appearances at Stamford Bridge and will link up with former Blues team-mate Nicolas Anelka at his new club.